Sorrells has improved Texas Tech basketball team behind the scenes

Andrew Sorrells is a name that most of the Texas Tech fan base may not be familiar with, but his teammates are well aware of his impact over the past three seasons.

Sorrells, a redshirt sophomore out of North Richland Hills has become a go-to player when it comes to his ability to keep his teammates on task during practice.

The 6-foot-3, 170-pound guard is known for the energy he brings to the basketball court.

Need someone to dive on the floor for a loose ball, take a charge or set a hard screen on a set play?

Sorrells is there.

"Every day it’s a challenge. You have to bring energy," said Sorrells, who came to Texas Tech weighing close to 158 pounds. "It’s a grind every day. I try to bring energy every day and elevate the level of practice every day. I just bring everything, every day."

Knowing his role

During his first two years, Sorrells has racked up two career highs in rebounds (one) and minutes (five) in a game against Arkansas Pine-Bluff back on Dec. 19, 2015.

While the statistics aren’t eye-popping, Sorrells is aware that his performance during practice — especially when he’s a scout-team player — are where he’s been the most crucial part of the Red Raiders.

"Every player is important and everybody has their own role on this team," Sorrells said. "My role is a little bit different than some of the starters. But I know there’s different ways that I can contribute to the team, whether it’s in practice making other people better and elevating the level of practice. And there’s different ways, on and off the court, that I can contribute to this team."

The biggest transformation has been his commitment in the weight room, according to head strength and conditioning coach John Reilly.

"He’s the type of guy that if he stops lifting or working out, he’ll just get really skinny," Reilly said. "So he’s a guy that has to stay on top of things. It was a process. But once he understood how his body functioned and how it worked, he was able to make drastic strides."

Parker Hicks, a freshman preferred walk-on, is another player expected to provide valuable competition during practices. Having Sorrells set the bar for practice energy has been a huge help, according to Hicks.

"He’s accepted that energy role and really made it into his own," Hicks said. "He’s been my best friend since I’ve been here. He’s a good guy and likes to have fun."

And Sorrells’ effort has not been missed by Tech coach Chris Beard either.

"Andrew’s role has been to be a great practice player, great teammate, elevate enthusiasm and energy," Beard said. "But now he’s getting into a time in his career where he’s taking on a different role: he’s really playing better basketball in practice and with three years of eligibility left and how hard he plays, I would never tell a kid what he can and can’t do.

"He’s working toward trying to get on the floor one day. And I support him in that, and I hope his dream comes true in that regard, too."

Longtime relationship

Even before he met him one year ago, Sorrells was well aware of the type of coach and person Texas Tech hired in Beard.

In his senior season at Birdville, Sorrells was thinking of playing for Angelo State – a Division II school where Beard spent two seasons.

At the time, the Rams were in the midst of a resurgence and offered a chance at playing time.

But Sorrells, who averaged 18 points per game and led his team in rebounding, chose to challenge himself by walking on at Texas Tech.

"He chose Texas Tech because of his love for the school and he wanted to see if he could play at this level (Big 12)," Beard recalled. "He has proven that he can not only make the team, but I think he’s proven that he’s a valuable part of the team. It’s really cool that it’s come full circle and I get the chance to coach him. He’s a guy that has respect for everybody on our coaching staff because of how he approaches each day. He’s really one of the unsung heroes of our team."

Never give up

No matter if it was a win or loss at home, Sorrells kept the routine the same: He rolled out the cart filled with basketballs and began to shoot.

"He was redshirting last year, and I don’t know why after games but I would see him getting extra shots after games," Reilly said. "He just stays ready. That’s what I like. Everybody can learn from Andrew Sorrells.

"People can look at him and say, he didn’t play when he first got here. He obviously had to redshirt last year. But he’s a guy that doesn’t give up. He’s relentless. He’s just great for the culture."

Sorrells may not garner the spotlight during game nights, but that’s been OK with him.

Instead, his goal is to become a valued part of the Red Raiders basketball team. That means playing hard during practices and, possibly, making an impact when Texas Tech hosts Angelo State for a 7 p.m. Wednesday exhibition game at United Supermarkets Arena.

"You see the leading scorers in the paper and on ESPN as part of highlights," Sorrells said. "But there’s a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes. Every player contributes, in some way, to the team and a win.

"My goal is to contribute on this team, on the court. There’s some players that play minutes that don’t matter. My goal is to play minutes that matter. Every day I’m working toward that goal."

College basketball

Who: Texas Tech vs. Angelo State

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: United Supermarkets Arena

Records: Angelo State 17-12 last season; Texas Tech 18-14 last season

Updates: Follow Carlos Silva Jr. on Twitter @cmsilvajr

Notable: Admission is free.

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